BRAMA, February 26, 2003, 1:00 am ET
Press Release
BRIGHT LIGHT FROM 9-11 TRAGEDY -
OLEH D. WENGERCHUK MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SPONSORS UNIVERSITY STUDIES FOR ORPHANS IN UKRAINE
Oleh D. Wengerchuk
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On 11 September 2001, almost three thousand innocent people were senselessly and brutally killed in terrorist attacks against the United States which occurred in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. This tragedy affected millions - from the friends and family of those who were lost, to an entire country that realized its vulnerability despite its strength, to people around the world who reached out to support those affected. Some people gave into their deep sorrow and despair; others pledged vengeance; but Dennis Cannelis, a computer software CEO from Texas, chose a different way to deal with the loss of his friend, Oleh Wengerchuk. In July 2002, he founded the Oleh D. Wengerchuk Memorial Foundation (ODWMF) and invested $10,000 to create a living legacy to his friend - a scholarship program for orphaned, underprivileged or handicapped children in Ukraine
The Foundation is based on the belief that each of us, through our education, kindness, and courage - can make a positive impact on those around us. Dennis recalls how Oleh
touched those around him through his hard work, his love for the fine arts and Ukrainian culture, his love for social interaction, and his kindness in helping others to feel special about themselves. Simply put, he spread good will to others. The Foundation is confident that although the world and Ukraine in particular are facing many challenges, the scholarship recipients through their studies and continued hard work in helping other orphans, will make an important contribution towards changing this situation.
The scholarship program is implemented in cooperation with
Help Us Help the Children
(HUHTC) , a non-governmental organization in Ukraine headed by Maryna Krysa ,which has been working with orphans since 1996, and
U-CARE,
the American sister organization of HUHTC headed by Vera Petrusha. There are currently 56 students enrolled in the scholarship program, ten of which are being funded by the Oleh D. Wengerchuk Foundation. Lydia Matiaszek, Oleh's sister and a member of the Foundation Board who has been based in Kyiv for nine years, works closely with HUHTC in the selection and monitoring of scholarship recipients. The scholarship includes: books and school supplies; a monthly stipend; clothing ; tutors, when necessary; medical and dental expenses; travel to Kyiv for quarterly reviews with HUHTC staff, including a staff psychologist who is available for counseling and evaluation.
The students come from across Ukraine and have diverse interests and personalities.However they share some common characteristics that are truly admirable. These young adults have overcome tremendous hardships in life in order to pursue their dreams. They too could have given in to the despair of their particular situations, but instead they emerged stronger, more committed to success, more sympathetic to others, and more grateful for the opportunities they have been given. In addition to working on their education, they participate in the HUHTC's summer camp program for orphans which takes place every year in the Carpathian Mountains (over 500 participants from across Ukraine just this past year!). The older students are counsellors and mentors for younger orphans at the camp. They also participate in other programs such as the humanitarian assistance runs to orphanages throughout the year. This year's ODWMF scholarships were awarded to the following:
Some of the students currently supported by the Foundation (l-r): Daria Trushkina, Andriy Stupak, Maryna Julai, Vitaliy Kalchenko, Valentyn Skrypnichenko
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Valeriy Bezverkhiy
- born 30 August 1982 in the city of Kyiv, with Pierre-Marie Disease, and moved to the Tsuripinsk internat for physically challenged children. His teachers said he was a very good student, responsible, hard-working and well-behaved, always striving to better himself and earn an education. He was very active in school activities, such as concerts. Valeriy has participated in the summer camp program for a number of years, and has always been very friendly, communicative, intelligent and well-mannered, exhibiting strength of character and resolve, as exemplified when he managed the difficult hike to the peaks of the Carpathian mountains. He is unusually strong in both heart and spirit, making his physical disabilities virtually unnoticeable. Currently, Valeriy is studying accounting at the economics technical school in Kamianets-Podilsky, Khmelnytsky oblast (province).
Ivan
Bodnarchuk
was born 20 April 1982 in the village of Koropets, Monastyrsky region, Ternopil oblast. Ivan was a very good student who finished school with high marks and distinction. His teachers describe him as a persistent and strong-willed individual who is very affable and has many friends. Ivan chose the Pre-University Preparatory program at the prestigious National Kyiv Mohyla Academy University, and has now been admitted to the sciences program where he is a chemistry major. Ivan participated in a number of HUHTC summer camps, and eventually worked his way up from participant to camp counselor. The camp director noted that besides being energetic, responsible, and determined in accomplishing his goals, Ivan was well-liked and respected by his charges.
Maryna Julai
was born 15 May 1984 in the city of Poltava. She was a keen student, very attentive and well-organized. Her class teacher commented that Maryna had strong skills in reading comprehension and mathematical skills, an excellent memory, and demonstrated an ability to apply herself and work hard. Maryna is a very sensitive, caring, good-natured and conscientious individual with many friends. Her main characteristic is her persistence in achieving her goal. During her free time, Maryna enjoys physical activities, such as horseback-riding, and soccer. Maryna participated in the HUHTC summer camp program, where her level-headedness, initiative and calm character earned her high marks. In 2002, Maryna enrolled in the economics and management department of the Poltava State Agrarian Academy, and is specializing in Organizational Management.
Vitaliy Kalchenko
was born 3 July 1982 in Zaporizhia. From 1999, he studied at the Molochansk school for orphans, where he also learned to paint and plaster. From 2000-2002 he studied choreography at the Molochansk Music School. He actively participates in various artistic endeavours, enjoys comedy and singing Ukrainian songs. Vitaliy took part in the HUHTC summer camps where his energy and artistic talents were very useful. He is currently studying at the Melitopol School of Culture.
Anna Kuzina
was born 13 March 1985 in the village of Stari Petrivtsi, Kyiv oblast. Anna was a very dilligent, persistent student in school, active in school activities. From 2000-2002, she participated in the Debate Center program as a member of the school debate team, often competing in events with other schools . Anna attended the HUHTC summer camps, where her creative and energetic personality shone. She is a very gifted artist- her work entitled "We Are Your Children, Ukraine!" received an Honorary Award in the third phase of the national student competition "Let Us Unite" in the figurative arts category. Anna has always aspired to specialize in a profession that would help assist people in difficult situations. In 2002, she enrolled in the department of laboratory diagnostics at the Kyiv Institute of Ecology and Medicine. "I chose this department, because I want to help people in the earliest instance possible, and the diagnosis of an illness is the first step in the healing process".
Victor Sannikov
was born 5 May 1984 in the city of Kharkiv. As Victor likes to point out, he started school the same year Ukraine declared its independence. Although he was a poor student at first, he soon understood that education is necessary in order to make something of your life. By the eleventh grade, Victor became a very dilligent student, and worked hard to improve himself, so that he could be admitted to the prestigious National Kyiv Mohyla Academy University, and he was eventually admitted to the university, scoring the highest grade among those entering the economics department. In the HUHTC summer camps, he was a persistent, yet level-headed and calm individual very responsible in fulfilling his duties, respectful of others' opinions. Victor adds: "I am very happy with my accomplishment thus far, but at the same time, I am ready to persevere, studying even harder and longer, so that my personal biography becomes more interesting with time."
Valentyn Skrypnichenko
was born with physical birth defects on 16 November 1982 in the village of Petrivka, Mykolaiv oblast. During his studies at boarding school, Valentyn proved to be particularly talented in technical sciences. He liked to construct and repair things around the school. As the Director of the school noted, Valentyn was the school craftsman with "golden hands", who was handy in repairing clocks, the school's electronic equipment, and whatever else was necessary. Therefore, Valentyn enrolled in the Zhytomyr Technical Lyceum-Boarding School, where he is studying to be a specialist in mechanical and electrical repair of appliances. Valentyn participated in HUHTC summer camps, where he distinguished himself as a sincere and courageous individual. He regularly corresponds with HUHTC, to keep them informed of his studies and accomplishments. He writes: "An orphan's fate and the physical health challenges I face could easily have turned my life into a long, difficult thread of problem after problem, but the attentiveness and selfless, caring assistance you provide have helped me believe in a positive future for myself".
Andriy Stupak
was born 11 June 1984 in the village of Mariano, in the Crimea. After graduating from a boarding school in Kerch, Andriy was admitted to the National Internal Affairs University in Kharkiv, where he has made a very positive impression on his teachers. He studies hard and is quite disciplined. He conscientiously performs all his functional duties and responsibilities as a cadet, and seeks to raise both his professional and cultural awareness. Andriy scrupulously applies himself to learning his subjects, and is an avid sports enthusiast , who enjoys competition. He is regarded as a calm and level-headed individual, who easily accepts the suggestions and criticisms of elders. Andriy enjoys his studies at the university, and feels that a military career is an ideal profession for him.
Oleksandra Sydorenko
was born 3 June 1984. In the boarding school in Butan, Oleksandra was a motivated and tenacious student. She dedicated much time and effort to performing with the choreographic ensemble "Dyvotsvit", and participated in many festivals and competitions, often winning awards for her performances. Oleksandra is a very dynamic, creative and conscientious individual. Her dream is to realize her creative potential professionally, therefore this year she enrolled in the Kyiv Oblast School for Culture and the Arts.
Daria Trushkina
was born 18 January 1982 in the city of Kharkiv In 1999, Daria graduated from school with distinction and was admitted to the National Kharkiv Humanitarian Academy University. She is very active in university life, successfully competing in various academic events and participating in conferences in Kharkiv and other cities. In 2002, she received her diploma in journalism and accounting ahead of schedule, but is continuing her studies in order to earn a degree in economics with a concentration in law. Concurrently, she is studying to become a web-designer. In her free time, Daria volunteers as bookkeeper for the Kharkiv Oblast Charitable Fund "Academy" and volunteers with HUHTC. She is the local coordinator for the Scholarship Program, and visits orphans who are being treated in the city hospital. Daria is a very energetic and focused individual, who is a gifted artist and singer as well. Her motto in life is: "To the stars, through difficulties and obstacles".
ABOUT OLEH WENGERCHUK
Oleh Wengerchuk was born on 4 October 1944 in Vienna. His mother, Stefania Czorny recalls his premature birth while bombs fell around the hospital and most of the medical personnel had taken refuge in the basement shelter. Besides being born 2 ½ months early and below acceptable birth weight, he had pneumonia and was not expected to survive. However, his mother's strong love for her child and faith in God saw them through. Eventually, Oleh and his older brother Ostap moved to the US with their mother from a displaced person's camp in Hannover, Germany. They faced many difficult obstacles in starting their new life, but managed to persevere and earn their education. Oleh at first majored in Biology in college, but after serving in the US Army during the Vietnam War, he returned to pursue a degree in Fine Arts, which allowed him to express his artistic talents and sensitivity. Oleh became quite an athlete - he enjoyed skiing, had a natural talent for fencing and was a powerful swimmer, having been on diving and swimming teams in school. His love of the water, especially sailing, continued throughout his adult life
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Oleh worked as a designer for the Properties & Facilities Division
of American Airlines, then at Gibbs and Hill, and finally as a transportation designer for The Washington Group, whose offices were located on the 91
st
floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. He fell in love with his childhood sweetheart (and his mother's goddaughter) Oksana Sakalosh, and they were married in 1969. Their daughter Andrea was born in 1978. Oleh and Oksana Wengerchuk shared a love and understanding of each other that was unique, for they were real soul mates who truly respected one another, shared interests, views, hobbies and a passion for life that was contagious to anyone who spent time with them. Together, the couple would enjoy long walks, good wine and music as well as the simpler pleasures of just sharing the events of the day with each other. "I feel blessed. I was lucky we had a lot in common," Oksana said. In a New York Times interview, Oksana recalled how on the weekend before 11 September 2001, the couple had friends over for dinner. At the end, as they sat in the twilight, Mr. Wengerchuk, 56, took his wife's hand and kissed it, as he often did after these nights of wine and good conversation. "He told me, 'I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. If one of us has to go first, I hope it's me because I can't imagine life without you."
Oleh Wengerchuk's name appears near the end of the long list of victims, and each time I scroll down that list, there is still a part of me that expects not to see his name there - it is still so unfathomable to accept. And yet, the reality is that Oleh - beloved son, husband, father, brother,uncle and friend - is no longer with us physically, even though his kind, open, generous and loving spirit lives on within all of our hearts.
The Oleh D. Wengerchuk Memorial Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. For more information or to send your donation to support the scholarship program, please write to: 915A Emerald Boulevard, South Lake, TX 76092. Also, visit our website at:
www.wengerchukfoundation.com
Written by Lydia Matiaszek; student information provided by Alla Kravchenko-Halych, HUHTC scholarship program coordinator
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